Choosing The Right Equipment

What to Know about Replacing Your Home Heating System

If your equipment is more than 15 years old and breakdowns have become frequent, or your latest repair required replacing a major part, it’s a good sign that your system is hitting the end of its life span. And today’s equipment is much more efficient, using about 30 percent less fuel each year.

On average, the energy efficiency level for new oil heating systems is in the mid-80% range, but to make sure your system performs to its rated efficiency level, it’s critical that your heating system installation be done properly.

Certified oilheat technicians are trained to make sure that your system is sized properly for the needs of your home. There are tests that help them figure out how much heat your home loses in the winter. After determining how much power your home’s heating system needs, they can then expertly install your new boiler or furnace to guarantee you years of comfort and energy savings.

If you’re ready to explore new heating options for your home, your local heating oil company will be happy to help.

Use this guide to help you decide whether it’s best to repair your system or purchase a new one.

Repair Replace
Age of System Less than 15 years
More than 15 years
  • Older systems are less efficient and cost more to repair.
Cost and Frequency of Repairs
Less than 50% cost of new unit
  • Unit still under warranty.
  • Less than two repairs in last 10 years.
50% more than cost of new unit
  • Any repairs after warranty expires.
  • Any repairs after 10 years and older.
Efficiency of Unit
More than 80% AFUE
  • If it’s still efficient, it may be worth keeping.
Less than 80% AFUE
  • New units have ratings that exceed 90%. You save money long-term because of higher efficiency.

Note: AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency.